Kyrgyz Orphans Awaiting Decision To Join U.S. Parents

BISHKEK -- Sixty-five children with special needs are waiting in Kyrgyz orphanages for a court order that would allow them to be adopted by U.S. couples, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Kyrgyz parliament deputy Gulnara Derbisheva said on June 16 that although all the necessary procedures have been completed, a final decision allowing the children to be adopted must be made by the court.

Kyrgyzstan announced a moratorium on international adoptions several years ago due to a lack of proper legislation.

Despite the moratorium, 27 Kyrgyz orphans were reportedly adopted by American couples in 2007 after going through court procedures.

There are seven U.S. adoption companies operating in Kyrgyzstan.